Min Sang armed robbery is troubling

I know my fellow Greenvillians were saddened by the news of an armed robbery at Min Sang Grocery Store, while relieved to hear that the Sue brothers, though wounded, are fine.

What is troubling is how long the store on Alexander Street has operated even as the neighborhoods around it have declined, and the blow it would be to the area if it closed.

My grandmother’s house was just a couple of blocks from Min Sang, and I saw first hand as a little boy how hard the people worked to keep the store running. It is the epitome of the American Dream.

Here’s the bottom line — if Min Sang decided to close its doors today, odds are nobody is going to come in behind them. The area loses a grocer that has been one of its icons for years and years. Businesses, including the grocer Stareka, which was once located a few blocks from Min Sang, have closed or relocated, but Min Sang’s owners have stayed. Hats off to them.

At least it appears justice will be served.

Two men are being held on bonds of $5 million each related to the robbery that occurred at closing time on Jan. 3.

Assistant Police Chief Andrew Kaho told The Delta Democrat Times reports that 19-year-old Elton Harper Jr. and 26-year-old Korderro Robinson are each charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and attempted murder. They are being held in the Washington County jail.

Kaho said police are looking for a third suspect.

Police said 66-year-old Harry Seu was struck over the head with a handgun. He was treated and released at the hospital. His brother, 70-year-old Jerome Seu was shot. Jerome Seu was treated at Delta Regional Medical Center and held overnight for observation and released the next day.

Min Sang is not a large store. The economic impact to the city would be negligible if it closed. But simply put, Greenville cannot afford to lose anything. It is less about money and more about quality of life and opportunity.

Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for the Seus and the continued success of Min Sang.